EP2092403B1 - Adjustable pneumatic system for a surgical machine - Google Patents

Adjustable pneumatic system for a surgical machine Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2092403B1
EP2092403B1 EP20070874204 EP07874204A EP2092403B1 EP 2092403 B1 EP2092403 B1 EP 2092403B1 EP 20070874204 EP20070874204 EP 20070874204 EP 07874204 A EP07874204 A EP 07874204A EP 2092403 B1 EP2092403 B1 EP 2092403B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
reservoir
pressure
gas
range
proportional valve
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP20070874204
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2092403A1 (en
Inventor
Denis P. Turner
Argelio Olivera
John C. Huculak
Mark A. Hopkins
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Novartis AG
Original Assignee
Novartis AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Novartis AG filed Critical Novartis AG
Publication of EP2092403A1 publication Critical patent/EP2092403A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2092403B1 publication Critical patent/EP2092403B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B21/00—Common features of fluid actuator systems; Fluid-pressure actuator systems or details thereof, not covered by any other group of this subclass
    • F15B21/04—Special measures taken in connection with the properties of the fluid
    • F15B21/048—Arrangements for compressed air preparation, e.g. comprising air driers, air condensers, filters, lubricators or pressure regulators
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F9/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the eyes; Devices for putting-in contact lenses; Devices to correct squinting; Apparatus to guide the blind; Protective devices for the eyes, carried on the body or in the hand
    • A61F9/007—Methods or devices for eye surgery
    • A61F9/00736—Instruments for removal of intra-ocular material or intra-ocular injection, e.g. cataract instruments
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/16—Bone cutting, breaking or removal means other than saws, e.g. Osteoclasts; Drills or chisels for bones; Trepans
    • A61B17/1613—Component parts
    • A61B17/1626—Control means; Display units
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/16—Bone cutting, breaking or removal means other than saws, e.g. Osteoclasts; Drills or chisels for bones; Trepans
    • A61B17/1613—Component parts
    • A61B17/1628—Motors; Power supplies
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B2017/00535—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets pneumatically or hydraulically operated
    • A61B2017/00544—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets pneumatically or hydraulically operated pneumatically
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B2017/00973—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets pedal-operated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
    • F15B2211/20—Fluid pressure source, e.g. accumulator or variable axial piston pump
    • F15B2211/25—Pressure control functions
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
    • F15B2211/50—Pressure control
    • F15B2211/51—Pressure control characterised by the positions of the valve element
    • F15B2211/513—Pressure control characterised by the positions of the valve element the positions being continuously variable, e.g. as realised by proportional valves
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/2496—Self-proportioning or correlating systems
    • Y10T137/2544—Supply and exhaust type
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/7722—Line condition change responsive valves
    • Y10T137/7758—Pilot or servo controlled
    • Y10T137/7761—Electrically actuated valve
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/7722—Line condition change responsive valves
    • Y10T137/7837—Direct response valves [i.e., check valve type]
    • Y10T137/7838—Plural
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8593—Systems
    • Y10T137/87169—Supply and exhaust
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8593—Systems
    • Y10T137/87917—Flow path with serial valves and/or closures

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a pneumatic module for a surgical machine and more particularly to a pneumatic module with a dynamically adjustable pressure set point.
  • Vitreo-retinal procedures include a variety of surgical procedures performed to restore, preserve, and enhance vision. Vitreo-retinal procedures are appropriate to treat many serious conditions of the back of the eye. Vitreo-retinal procedures treat conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy and diabetic vitreous hemorrhage, macular hole, retinal detachment, epiretinal membrane, CMV retinitis, and many other ophthalmic conditions.
  • AMD age-related macular degeneration
  • diabetic retinopathy and diabetic vitreous hemorrhage macular hole
  • retinal detachment epiretinal membrane
  • CMV retinitis CMV retinitis
  • the vitreous is a normally clear, gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye. It makes up approximately two-thirds of the eye's volume, giving it form and shape before birth. Certain problems affecting the back of the eye may require a vitrectomy, or surgical removal of the vitreous.
  • a vitrectomy may be performed to clear blood and debris from the eye, to remove scar tissue, or to alleviate traction on the retina.
  • Blood, inflammatory cells, debris, and scar tissue obscure light as it passes through the eye to the retina, resulting in blurred vision.
  • the vitreous is also removed if it is pulling or tugging the retina from its normal position.
  • Some of the most common eye conditions that require a vitrectomy include complications from diabetic retinopathy such as retinal detachment or bleeding, macular hole, retinal detachment, pre-retinal membrane fibrosis, bleeding inside the eye (vitreous hemorrhage), injury or infection, and certain problems related to previous eye surgery.
  • a retinal surgeon performs a vitrectomy with a microscope and special lenses designed to provide a clear image of the back of the eye. Several tiny incisions just a few millimeters in length are made on the sclera. The retinal surgeon inserts microsurgical instruments through the incisions such as a fiber optic light source to illuminate inside the eye, an infusion line to maintain the eye's shape during surgery, and instruments to cut and remove the vitreous.
  • microsurgical instruments through the incisions such as a fiber optic light source to illuminate inside the eye, an infusion line to maintain the eye's shape during surgery, and instruments to cut and remove the vitreous.
  • a vitrectomy the surgeon creates three tiny incisions in the eye for three separate instruments. These incisions are placed in the pars plana of the eye, which is located just behind the iris but in front of the retina.
  • the instruments which pass through these incisions include a light pipe, an infusion port, and the vitrectomy cutting device or vitrector.
  • the light pipe is the equivalent of a microscopic high-intensity flashlight for use within the eye.
  • the infusion port is required to replace fluid in the eye and maintain proper pressure within the eye.
  • the vitrector, or cutting device works like a tiny guillotine, with an oscillating microscopic cutter to remove the vitreous gel in a controlled fashion. This prevents significant traction on the retina during the removal of the vitreous humor.
  • the surgical machine used to perform a vitrectomy and other surgeries on the posterior of the eye is very complex.
  • an ophthalmic surgical machine includes a main console to which the numerous different tools are attached.
  • the main console provides power to and controls the operation of the attached tools.
  • the attached tools typically include probes, scissors, forceps, illuminators, vitrectors, and infusion lines. Each of these tools is typically attached to the main surgical console. A computer in the main surgical console monitors and controls the operation of these tools. These tools also get their power from the main surgical console. Some of these tools are electrically powered while others are pneumatically powered.
  • the main surgical console has a pneumatic module.
  • This pneumatic module conditions and supplies compressed air or gas to power the tools.
  • the pneumatic module is connected to a cylinder that contains compressed gas.
  • the pneumatic module must provide the proper gas pressure to operate the attached tools properly. Providing different pressurcs to a tool can alter the way in which it operates over that range of pressures. For example, it is desirable to provide a low gas pressure when a vitrector is operated at a relatively low cut rate, and it is necessary to provide a high gas pressure when a vitrector is being operated at a high cut rate.
  • the present invention provides a pneumatic system in accordance with claims which follow.
  • the present invention is a pneumatic system for a surgical machine.
  • the system includes a reservoir, first and second proportional valves, and a controller.
  • the reservoir holds pressurized gas.
  • the first proportional valve is located on an input side of the reservoir and allows a variable amount of pressurized gas to enter the reservoir.
  • the second proportional valve is located on an output side of the reservoir and allows a second variable amount of pressurized gas to exit the reservoir.
  • the controller controls the operation of the first and second proportional valves.
  • the controller adjusts the first and second proportional valves so that a constant gas pressure range is maintained at an output of the reservoir over a first range of input gas pressures and a second range of gas usage.
  • the present invention is a pneumatic system for a surgical machine.
  • the system includes a reservoir, first and second proportional valves, a controller, first and second interfaces, and input and output pressure transducers.
  • the reservoir holds pressurized gas.
  • the first proportional valve is located on an input side of the reservoir and allows a variable amount of pressurized gas to enter the reservoir.
  • the second proportional valve is located on an output side of a reservoir and allows a variable amount of pressurized gas to exit the reservoir.
  • the controller is adapted to control the operation of the first and second proportional valves, thereby adjusting an amount of pressurized gas entering and exiting the reservoir.
  • the first interface electrically couples the first proportional valve to the controller.
  • the second interface electrically couples the second proportional valve to the controller.
  • the output pressure transducer is located on the output side of the reservoir, measures a pressure of the pressurized gas exiting the reservoir, and is electrically coupled to the controller.
  • the input pressure transducer is located on an input side of the reservoir, measures a pressure of the pressurized gas near the first proportional valve, and is electrically coupled to the controller.
  • the controller receives a first signal from the input pressure transducer corresponding to the pressure of the pressurized gas near the first proportional valve and a second signal from the output pressure transducer corresponding to the pressure of the pressurized gas exiting the reservoir.
  • the controller uses the first and second signals to adjust the first and second proportional valves so that a constant gas pressure range is maintained in the reservoir over a first range of input gas pressures and a second range of gas usage.
  • Figure 1 is a block diagram of a pneumatically powered ophthalmic surgical machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the machine includes gas pressure monitor system 110, proportional controllers 120 and 130, and tools 140, 150, 160, and 170.
  • the tools 140, 150, 160, and 170 can be, for example, scissors, vitrectors, forceps, and injection or extraction modules. Other tools may also be employed with the machine of Figure 1 .
  • gas pressure monitor system 110 is fluidly coupled via a manifold to proportional controllers 120 and 130.
  • a single manifold may connect gas pressure monitor system 110 to proportional controllers 120 and 130, or two separate manifolds may connect gas pressure monitor system 110 to proportional controllers 120 and 130, respectively.
  • the pneumatically powered ophthalmic surgery machine of Figure 1 operates to assist a surgeon in performing various ophthalmic surgical procedures, such as a vitrectomy.
  • a compressed gas such as nitrogen, provides the power for tools 140,150, 160, and 170.
  • the compressed gas passes through gas pressure monitor system 110, through one or more manifolds to proportional controllers 120 and 130, and through additional manifolds and/or tubing to tools 140, 150, 160, and 170.
  • Gas pressure monitor system 110 functions to monitor the pressure of compressed gas from a gas source as it enters the machine.
  • Proportional controllers 120 and 130 serve to distribute the compressed gas received from gas pressure monitor system 110.
  • Proportional controllers 120 and 130 control the pneumatic power delivered to tools 140, 150, 160, and 170.
  • Various valves, manifolds, and tubing are used to direct compressed gas from gas pressure monitor system 110, through proportional controllers 120 and 130, and to tools 140, 150,160, and 170. This compressed gas actuates cylinders, for example, in tools 140, 150, 160, and 170.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic of a pneumatic system capable of providing a dynamic range of pressures according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the pneumatic system 200 includes input proportional valve 205, output proportional valve 210, reservoir 215, output pressure transducers 220 and 225, input pressure transducer 260, muffler 230, and manifolds 235, 240, 245, 250, and 255.
  • Manifold 235 connects input pressure transducer 260 to input proportional valve 205.
  • Manifold 240 connects input proportional valve 205 to reservoir 215.
  • Manifold 245 connects output proportional valve 210 to reservoir 215.
  • Manifold 250 connects output proportional valve 210 to a venting port to which muffler 230 is attached.
  • Manifold 255 connects reservoir 215 to output pressure transducers 220 and 225.
  • proportional valves 205 and 210 are standard adjustable valves. As is commonly known, a proportional valve has a solenoid that operates to move the valve to any number of positions. Proportional valves 205 and 210 can be opened to any degree within the operating parameters of the valve. Typically, the percentage that each proportional valve 205, 210 is capable of opening is any percentage in the range from 0% (fully closed) to 100% (fully open). For example, proportional valves 205 and 210 can be opened 10%, 20%, 30%, etc. to allow a precise quantity of gas to flow through them during a time period. Proportional valves 205 and 210 are independently controlled by a controller (not shown). In this manner, proportional valve 205 can be operated at one position while proportional valve 210 can be operated at another.
  • Input proportional valve 205 controls the flow of pressurized gas from manifold 235 to reservoir 215. In this manner, proportional valve 205 controls the amount of gas that enters reservoir 215 over a given time period.
  • Output proportional valve 210 controls the amount of pressurized gas exhausted to the atmosphere from reservoir 215. In this manner, proportional valve 205 controls the amount of gas that exits reservoir 215 through manifold 250 and a venting port to which muffler 230 is attached.
  • Reservoir 215 is a chamber that is capable of holding pressurized gas. Typically, reservoir 215 is machined out of one or more pieces of aluminum. As such, reservoir 215 holds a set volume of gas at a pressure. When used, reservoir 215 is air tight. Reservoir 215 may also have couplings or fittings to connect to manifolds. In another embodiment consistent with the principles of the present invention, reservoir 215 and various manifolds may be machined out of a single piece of aluminum.
  • Pressure transducers 220, 225 and 260 operate to read an atmospheric pressure of the gas contained in manifolds 255, 245, and 235, respectfully.
  • pressure transducers 220 and 225 read the pressure of the compressed gas that is adjacent to it in manifold 245 and 255.
  • Two pressure transducers 220 and 225 are provided for redundancy. In this case, the pressure measured by the process can be more robust and less susceptible to transducer failure.
  • pressure transducer 260 reads the pressure of the compressed gas that is adjacent to it in manifold 235.
  • pressure transducers 220, 225 and 260 are common pressure transducers.
  • Pressure transducers 220, 225 and 260 are capable of reading pressure of a compressed gas and sending an electrical signal containing information about the pressure of the compressed gas to a controller (not shown).
  • Manifolds 235, 240, 245, 250, and 255 are all configured to carry compressed gas.
  • these manifolds are machined out of a metal, such as aluminum. These manifolds are air tight, contain various fittings and couplings, and are designed to withstand relatively high gas pressures.
  • These manifolds may be manufactured as individual pieces, or they may be manufactured as a single piece.
  • manifolds 235, 240, 245, 250, and 255 may be machined from a single piece of aluminum.
  • manifolds 235 and 240 may be machined from a single piece of aluminum, and manifolds 245, 250, and 255 may be machined from another piece of aluminum.
  • Muffler 230 is a common muffler designed to suppress the noise made by escaping gas. This muffler is typically cylindrical in shape.
  • the pneumatic system of Figure 2 is capable of providing a constant gas pressure output range in manifold 255 over a range of input gas pressures and gas usage.
  • pressurized gas enters pneumatic module 200 through manifold 235.
  • the pressurized gas that enters pneumatic module 200 has been filtered and/or conditioned.
  • the source of pressurized gas is typically a cylinder. Many physicians use cylinders of compressed nitrogen. In other cases, physicians may use another source of compressed air. Regardless of the source, compressed gas enters manifold 235 at any of a range of different pressures.
  • compressed gas in manifold 235 may be in a range of 4137 millibar to 8274 millibar, or 60 psi to 120 psi (pounds per square inch). Depending on the source, compressed gas in manifold 235 may be at 4137 millibar, 8274 millibar, or 60 psi, 120 psi, or any pressure in between.
  • gas usage depends on the operation of the tools powered by the compressed gas contained in reservoir 215.
  • Compressed gas passes through manifold 255, and typically through other components, to power various surgical tools.
  • compressed gas may be used to power a vitrector (not shown).
  • the vitrector may consume different volumes of compressed gas depending on the manner in which it is operated. If the vitrector is operated at a slow cut rate, then it may consume a relatively small quantity of compressed gas over a period of time. If it is operated at a fast cut rate, then it may consume a relatively large quantity of compressed gas over a period of time. This range of gas usage may vary widely.
  • input proportional valve 205 is opened a certain percentage to allow a certain quantity of compressed gas to enter reservoir 215 for a given gas usage and input pressure.
  • output proportional valve 210 is opened a certain percentage to allow a certain quantity of compressed gas to exit reservoir 215 for a given gas usage and input pressure.
  • Input and output proportional valves 205 and 210 are controlled independently to maintain a constant gas pressure range in reservoir 215 for a given gas usage and input pressure.
  • the constant gas pressure range maintained in reservoir 215 has a mid point that is typically a set point.
  • a tight pressure range around this set point is maintained in reservoir 215.
  • the range may be plus or minus 0.5% or 0.05%.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic of a valve, transducer, and controller portion of a pneumatic system capable of providing a dynamic range of pressures according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • controller 300 and interfaces 305, 310, 315, 320, and 325 are depicted along with proportional valves 205 and 210, and pressure transducers 220, 225, and 260.
  • controller 300 receives pressure information from pressure transducers 220, 225, and 260 via interfaces 305, 310, and 325, respectively.
  • pressure transducer 220 is electrically coupled to controller 300 via interface 305
  • pressure transducer 225 is electrically coupled to controller 300 via interface 310
  • pressure transducer 260 is electrically coupled to controller 300 via interface 325.
  • Controller 300 sends control signals to proportional valves 205 and 210 via interfaces 315 and 320, respectively.
  • Controller 300 is typically an intergraded circuit capable of performing logic functions. In this manner, controller 300 is in the form of a standard integrated circuit package with power, input, and output pins. In various embodiments, controller 300 is a valve controller or a targeted device controller. In such a case, controller 300 performs specific control functions targeted to a specific device, such as a valve. In other embodiments, controller 300 is a microprocessor. In such a case, controller 300 is programmable so that it can function to control valves as well as other components of the machine. In other cases, controller 300 is not a programmable microprocessor, but instead is a special purpose processor configured to control different valves that perform different functions.
  • Controller 300 is configured to receive signals from pressure transducers 220, 225, and 260 via interfaces 305, 310, and 325, respectively. These signals, for example, correspond to readings of gas pressure in manifolds 255 and 235. Controller 300 is also configured to send output signals via interfaces 315 and 320 to proportional valves 205 and 210, respectively. These output signals allow controller 300 to control the operation of proportional valves 205 and 210.
  • Interfaces 305, 310, and 325 are designed to carry signals from pressure transducers 220, 225, and 260 to controller 300.
  • interfaces 305, 310, and 325 are common electrical conductors such as wires, buses, traces, or the like.
  • interfaces 315 and 320 carry signals from controller 300 to proportional valves 205 and 210.
  • Interfaces 315 and 320 may be one or more wires, buses, traces, or the like designed to carry electrical or data signals.
  • controller 300 implements a PID controller.
  • a proportional-integral-derivative controller (PID controller) is a common feedback loop component in industrial control systems.
  • PID controller takes a measured value from a process or other apparatus and compares it with a reference set point value. The difference or error signal is then used to adjust some input to the process in order to bring the process' measured value back to its desired set point.
  • a PID controller can adjust process outputs based on the history and rate of change of the error signal, which gives more accurate and stable control.
  • the set point is the pressure that is desired to be maintained in reservoir 215. This set point is effectively selected by the physician by depressing a footswitch treadle. In one embodiment, the set point is selected by using a foot switch (not shown). Depressing the foot switch increases the pressure and the quantity of gas used during a given time period.
  • controller 300 The input gas pressure and the gas usage also influence the operation of controller 300.
  • proportional valves 205 and 210 are operated to maintain a constant pressure range in reservoir 215 over a range of gas usage.
  • Proportional valves 205 and 210 are operated independently by controller 300. Controller 300 directs proportional valves 205 and 210 to open a certain percentage (e.g. 0%, 2%, 10%, 30%, 75%, 99%, 100%, etc.) to maintain a constant gas pressure range in reservoir 215.
  • a certain percentage e.g. 0%, 2%, 10%, 30%, 75%, 99%, 100%, etc.
  • the input pressure of the pressurized gas in manifold 235 is measured by input pressure transducer 260. Based on this input pressure, a set of control constants is selected for use in a PID algorithm. Controller 300 uses this set of control constants to control the operation of proportional valves 205 and 210. Proportional valves 205 and 210 are adjusted by controller 300 to maintain a constant pressure range in reservoir 215 over a range of gas usage.
  • Figure 4 is a graph depicting one method of operation of a pneumatic system capable of providing a dynamic range of pressures according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the x-axis shows time
  • the y-axis shows the pressure in reservoir 215.
  • Three different gas pressures (P1, P2, and P3) are selected at three different times.
  • the graph of Figure 4 shows how the gas pressure in reservoir 215 responds to the control of proportional valves 205 and 210 by controller 300.
  • time period T1 the gas pressure in reservoir 215 climbs from zero to P1.
  • proportional valves 205 and 210 are independently controlled by controller 300. For example, a surgeon may depress a foot switch to effectively select a set point of P1.
  • controller 300 operates proportional valves 205 and 210 to achieve a pressure of P1 in reservoir 215.
  • the pressure rises from zero, overshoots P1, and stabilizes at P1 after a very short period of time.
  • the time period T1 is a very short period of time - on the order of milliseconds.
  • time period T2 the gas pressure in reservoir 215 has settled out at the desired set point.
  • the gas pressure in reservoir 215 is maintained in a tight gas pressure range around the selected set point.
  • time period T3 the gas pressure in reservoir 215 climbs from P1 to P2.
  • proportional valves 205 and 210 are independently controlled by controller 300. For example, a surgeon may depress a foot switch to effectively select a set point of P2.
  • controller 300 operates proportional valves 205 and 210 to achieve a pressure range of P2 in reservoir 215.
  • the pressure rises from P1, overshoots P2, and stabilizes at P2 after a very short period of time.
  • the time period T3 is a very short period of time - on the order of milliseconds.
  • time period T4 the gas pressure in reservoir 215 has settled out at the desired set point.
  • the gas pressure in reservoir 215 is maintained in a tight gas pressure range around the selected set point, in this case, P2.
  • time period T5 the gas pressure in reservoir 215 goes from P2 to P3.
  • proportional valves 205 and 210 are independently controlled by controller 300. For example, a surgeon may activate a foot switch to effectively select a set point of P3.
  • controller 300 operates proportional valves 205 and 210 to achieve a pressure range of P3 in reservoir 215.
  • the pressure decreases from P2, undershoots P3, and stabilizes at P3 after a very short period of time.
  • the time period T5 is a very short period of time - on the order of milliseconds.
  • time period T6 the gas pressure in reservoir 215 has settled out at the desired set point.
  • the gas pressure in reservoir 215 is maintained in a tight gas pressure range around the selected set point, in this case, P3.
  • the present invention provides an improved system for providing pneumatic power to a surgical tool.
  • the present invention enables the provision of compressed gas over a variable range of pressures thus enabling the operation of a surgical tool over its complete functional range.
  • the pressure set point is dynamically adjustable, and the response time is short.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Ophthalmology & Optometry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Control Of Fluid Pressure (AREA)
  • Surgical Instruments (AREA)
EP20070874204 2006-12-13 2007-10-03 Adjustable pneumatic system for a surgical machine Active EP2092403B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/610,275 US8162000B2 (en) 2006-12-13 2006-12-13 Adjustable pneumatic system for a surgical machine
PCT/US2007/080239 WO2008140537A1 (en) 2006-12-13 2007-10-03 Adjustable pneumatic system for a surgical machine

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2092403A1 EP2092403A1 (en) 2009-08-26
EP2092403B1 true EP2092403B1 (en) 2012-05-30

Family

ID=39525704

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20070874204 Active EP2092403B1 (en) 2006-12-13 2007-10-03 Adjustable pneumatic system for a surgical machine

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US8162000B2 (es)
EP (1) EP2092403B1 (es)
JP (1) JP5363334B2 (es)
AU (1) AU2007353369B2 (es)
CA (1) CA2672133C (es)
ES (1) ES2386919T3 (es)
WO (1) WO2008140537A1 (es)

Families Citing this family (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8679241B2 (en) * 2006-10-30 2014-03-25 Novartis Ag Gas pressure monitor for pneumatic surgical machine
US8162000B2 (en) 2006-12-13 2012-04-24 Novartis Ag Adjustable pneumatic system for a surgical machine
US9241830B2 (en) * 2006-12-15 2016-01-26 Novartis Ag Pressure monitor for pneumatic vitrectomy machine
US8312800B2 (en) * 2006-12-21 2012-11-20 Novartis Ag Pneumatic system for a vitrector
US8080029B2 (en) * 2007-09-21 2011-12-20 Novartis Ag System for actuation of a vitreous cutter
CN102497841B (zh) * 2009-08-31 2014-12-10 爱尔康研究有限公司 通过驱动阀占空比校准进行的气动压力输出控制
DE102009049924A1 (de) * 2009-10-19 2011-05-12 Storz Medical Ag Druckwellengerät mit pneumatischem Antrieb
ES2442368T3 (es) 2009-12-10 2014-02-11 Alcon Research, Ltd. Sistemas y procedimientos para accionador de válvula neumático dinámico
US8666556B2 (en) * 2009-12-10 2014-03-04 Alcon Research, Ltd. Systems and methods for dynamic feedforward
US8821524B2 (en) 2010-05-27 2014-09-02 Alcon Research, Ltd. Feedback control of on/off pneumatic actuators
US8808318B2 (en) 2011-02-28 2014-08-19 Alcon Research, Ltd. Surgical probe with increased fluid flow
GB2491394A (en) * 2011-06-02 2012-12-05 Honeywell Uk Ltd Pressure control of pressurised air supply
US9060841B2 (en) 2011-08-31 2015-06-23 Alcon Research, Ltd. Enhanced flow vitrectomy probe
JP6543892B2 (ja) * 2014-06-26 2019-07-17 株式会社ニデック 手術装置
US10646375B2 (en) 2017-01-12 2020-05-12 Alcon Inc. Systems and methods for pressure-driven tool actuation
WO2019162791A1 (en) 2018-02-22 2019-08-29 Novartis Ag Systems and methods for gas mixing in ocular surgical equipment
US11540942B2 (en) 2018-07-26 2023-01-03 Alcon Inc. Redundant pneumatic circuit for reliability enhancement of vitrectomy instruments
EP3867190A4 (en) * 2018-10-17 2022-07-13 Pneuma Systems Corporation AIR FLOW BASED VOLUMETRIC PUMP
US11642243B2 (en) 2018-12-10 2023-05-09 Alcon Inc. Methods of solenoid valve control optimization
CA3131494A1 (en) 2019-04-24 2020-10-29 Alcon Inc. Valve cooling and noise suppression
US11934209B2 (en) 2020-09-14 2024-03-19 Alcon Inc. Methods and systems for providing control stability in a vacuum generation system using an override proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller

Family Cites Families (94)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US812162A (en) 1905-12-18 1906-02-06 Thomas Bemis Pneumatic tube for store service.
US2016746A (en) 1933-08-25 1935-10-08 Thomas H Ireland Fluid heater
NL73735C (es) 1949-06-30
GB792397A (en) 1956-05-09 1958-03-26 Pneumatic Components Ltd Improvements in or relating to tyre inflation hose equipment
US3084674A (en) 1961-07-20 1963-04-09 Ingersoll Rand Co Pneumatic system for multiple nut runner
US3515155A (en) 1967-02-24 1970-06-02 Air Reduction Gas mixture proportioner
US3646727A (en) 1969-06-02 1972-03-07 Erich A Wachsmuth Automatic compressor drain system
GB1281196A (en) 1969-11-20 1972-07-12 Westland Aircraft Ltd Improvements in or relating to pressure control systems
US3726307A (en) 1971-12-09 1973-04-10 Cameron Iron Works Inc Pressure control apparatus
US3867934A (en) 1973-05-04 1975-02-25 Veriflo Corp Pressure monitor for a lung ventilator
US4075928A (en) 1974-05-31 1978-02-28 Ross Operating Valve Company Safety valve for fluid systems
US4077567A (en) 1976-06-18 1978-03-07 Universal Pneumatic Controls, Inc. Pneumatic temperature reset differential pressure controller
US4323064A (en) 1976-10-26 1982-04-06 Puritan-Bennett Corporation Volume ventilator
US4086804A (en) 1976-10-26 1978-05-02 Sperry Rand Corporation Precision pneumatic pressure supply system
DE2811345C2 (de) 1978-03-16 1986-12-11 Knorr-Bremse AG, 8000 München Druckregler für pneumatische Drücke, insbesondere in Fahrzeugen
JPS5584858A (en) 1978-12-18 1980-06-26 Nippon Denso Co Ltd Engine control
FR2455766B1 (fr) 1979-05-02 1985-09-06 Intertechnique Sa Dispositif et installation pneumatiques de creations de cycles de pression ou de debit
US4331130A (en) 1980-06-27 1982-05-25 Lewicky Andrew O Securing device to the cornea to prevent anterior chamber prolapse
US4590935A (en) 1981-11-02 1986-05-27 Optikon Oftalmologia, S.P.A. Control system for intraocular surgical device
US4679583A (en) 1984-04-19 1987-07-14 Robertshaw Controls Company Pneumatic control system, control means therefor and method of making the same
BR8403165A (pt) 1984-06-28 1984-11-27 Jaime Roizenblatt Modulo pneumatico para microcirurgia intra-ocular
DE3502276A1 (de) 1985-01-24 1986-07-24 Wabco Westinghouse Fahrzeugbremsen GmbH, 3000 Hannover Einrichtung zur stetigen steuerung eines normalerweise fuer unstetige betriebsweise ausgebildeten magnetventiles
US4757814A (en) 1985-02-28 1988-07-19 Alcon Laboratories, Inc. Proportional control for pneumatic cutting device
US4706687A (en) 1985-02-28 1987-11-17 Alcon Instrumentation, Inc. Linear suction control system
US4650462A (en) 1985-07-29 1987-03-17 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Irrigation system
US4790816A (en) 1985-09-26 1988-12-13 Allon Laboratories, Inc. Surgical cassette proximity sensing and latching apparatus
US4770654A (en) 1985-09-26 1988-09-13 Alcon Laboratories Inc. Multimedia apparatus for driving powered surgical instruments
US4622503A (en) 1985-09-26 1986-11-11 Medical Instrument Development Laboratories, Inc. Variable pneumatic output means for use with ophthalmic micro-surgical instruments
US4810242A (en) 1985-09-26 1989-03-07 Alcon Laboratories Inc. Surgical cassette proximity sensing and latching apparatus
US4840111A (en) 1986-01-31 1989-06-20 Moog Inc. Energy-conserving regenerative-flow valves for hydraulic servomotors
US4933843A (en) 1986-11-06 1990-06-12 Storz Instrument Company Control system for ophthalmic surgical instruments
US5239861A (en) 1988-12-23 1993-08-31 Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho Device for indicating contamination degree of hydraulic circuit and method of judging the contamination degree
DE3925405A1 (de) 1989-08-01 1991-02-07 Vdo Schindling Drucksteuergeraet
US5417246A (en) 1989-10-27 1995-05-23 American Cyanamid Company Pneumatic controls for ophthalmic surgical system
US5176628A (en) 1989-10-27 1993-01-05 Alcon Surgical, Inc. Vitreous cutter
US5094260A (en) 1990-10-26 1992-03-10 Alcon Surgical, Inc. Proportional valve and pressure control system
US5138838A (en) 1991-02-15 1992-08-18 Caterpillar Inc. Hydraulic circuit and control system therefor
DE4111892C2 (de) 1991-04-09 1995-04-13 Mannesmann Ag Ventilbatterie, insbesondere für gasförmige Medien
EP0596967A4 (en) 1991-07-31 1994-10-19 Mentor O & O Inc OPERATING CONTROL OF A HANDPIECE DURING AN OPHTHALMIC SURGERY PROCEDURE.
US5279322A (en) 1991-11-14 1994-01-18 Smc Kabushiki Kaisha Exhaust valve
FI90035C (fi) 1992-02-07 1993-12-27 Valmet Paper Machinery Inc Rullstoppare och foerfarande foer anvaendning daerav
DE4232586A1 (de) 1992-09-23 1994-03-24 Mannesmann Ag Relaisventil für fluidische Medien
DE4241846C2 (de) 1992-12-11 1996-09-26 Danfoss As Hydraulisches System
US5829335A (en) 1993-05-11 1998-11-03 Mannesmann Rexroth Gmbh Control for hydraulic drive or actuator
DE4315626C1 (de) 1993-05-11 1994-07-14 Rexroth Mannesmann Gmbh Steuerung für einen hydraulischen Antrieb
DE4404224A1 (de) 1994-02-10 1995-08-17 Danfoss As Hydraulische Funktionseinheit
JPH07259801A (ja) 1994-03-23 1995-10-09 Ckd Corp エアーサーボシリンダシステム
US5487725A (en) 1994-05-12 1996-01-30 Syntec, Inc. Pneumatic vitrectomy for retinal attachment
US5571248A (en) * 1995-03-10 1996-11-05 General Motors Corporation Pressure regulator
US5587536A (en) 1995-08-17 1996-12-24 Rasmussen; John Differential pressure sensing device for pneumatic cylinders
US5674194A (en) 1995-10-25 1997-10-07 Alcon Laboratories Inc. Process control system
JP3555095B2 (ja) 1996-02-26 2004-08-18 アイダエンジニアリング株式会社 プレス機械の空圧制御装置
US5763951A (en) * 1996-07-22 1998-06-09 Northrop Grumman Corporation Non-mechanical magnetic pump for liquid cooling
SE507552C2 (sv) 1997-04-23 1998-06-22 Rudolf Westerberg Ab Tvåhandsmanöversystem
JPH10339301A (ja) * 1997-06-09 1998-12-22 Smc Corp 自動制御空気圧装置の制御方法および自動制御空気圧装置
US5846257A (en) 1997-08-15 1998-12-08 Nexus Medical System, Inc. Llc Pressure sensor for a surgical system
DE19821420C1 (de) 1998-05-13 1999-10-21 Haldex Bremsen Gmbh & Co Kg Druckluftaufbereitungseinrichtung für Druckluftbeschaffungsanlagen auf Kraftfahrzeugen
US6155289A (en) 1999-05-07 2000-12-05 International Business Machines Method of and system for sub-atmospheric gas delivery with backflow control
WO2000078371A1 (en) 1999-06-22 2000-12-28 Scieran Technologies, Inc. An apparatus and method for performing ophthalmic procedures
EP1063414B1 (en) 1999-06-23 2006-08-16 Fleetguard, Inc. Filtering for engines
US6155233A (en) * 1999-09-07 2000-12-05 Fasco Controls Corp. Combination pressure sensor and regulator for direct injection diesel engine fuel system
US6575990B1 (en) 1999-10-21 2003-06-10 Medical Instrument Development Laboratories, Inc. High speed vitreous cutting system
US6443947B1 (en) 2000-03-01 2002-09-03 Alexei Marko Device for thermal ablation of a cavity
FR2807795B1 (fr) 2000-04-18 2002-07-12 Crouzet Automatismes Dispositif de commande d'un actionneur
US6450966B1 (en) 2000-05-03 2002-09-17 Datex-Ohmeda, Inc. Method for non-invasive blood pressure cuff identification using deflation pressure measurements
US6504474B1 (en) 2000-07-12 2003-01-07 Deere & Company Method and apparatus for detecting a restricted or bypassed transmission oil filter
US6561999B1 (en) 2000-09-29 2003-05-13 Alcon Universal Ltd. Surgical cassette and consumables for combined ophthalmic surgical procedure
US6471853B1 (en) 2000-11-22 2002-10-29 Pti Technologies, Inc. Prognostic health monitoring of fluidic systems using MEMS technology
US6463949B2 (en) 2000-12-08 2002-10-15 Caterpillar Inc. Method and apparatus for determining a valve status
US6568416B2 (en) * 2001-02-28 2003-05-27 Brian L. Andersen Fluid flow control system, fluid delivery and control system for a fluid delivery line, and method for controlling pressure oscillations within fluid of a fluid delivery line
DE10216703A1 (de) 2001-04-20 2002-11-28 Festo Corp Hauppauge Stapelbare Ventilverteileranordnung
US6779541B2 (en) * 2001-10-12 2004-08-24 Smc Kabushiki Kaisha Fluid pressure regulator
US7470277B2 (en) 2001-10-16 2008-12-30 Alcon, Inc. Simultaneous proportional control of surgical parameters in a microsurgical system
US20030226809A1 (en) 2002-06-06 2003-12-11 Detroit Diesel Corporation Method and apparatus for determining oil filter life
DE10247869B4 (de) 2002-10-14 2007-02-08 Imi Norgren Gmbh Druckmediumsbetätigter Arbeitszylinder
DE10341477A1 (de) 2003-09-05 2005-03-31 Riehle, Rainer, Dipl.-Ing. Schallgenerator zur Erzeugung in Rohrleitungen eines Wasser- oder Gasversorgungssystems ausbreitungsfähiger Schallimpulse
US7089733B1 (en) 2005-02-28 2006-08-15 Husco International, Inc. Hydraulic control valve system with electronic load sense control
US20060271082A1 (en) 2005-05-31 2006-11-30 Kirchhevel G Lamar Calibrated surgical probe
DE202005009670U1 (de) 2005-06-17 2005-09-01 Sieber, Dieter Schalldämpfer für Pneumatikantriebe
US7814936B2 (en) * 2005-11-16 2010-10-19 Fisher Controls International Llc Sound pressure level feedback control
US7559914B2 (en) 2005-12-14 2009-07-14 Alcon, Inc. Priming a microsurgical system
US20070270746A1 (en) 2006-05-19 2007-11-22 Alcon, Inc. Surgical system having pneumatic manifolds with integral air cylinders
US20070282262A1 (en) 2006-05-19 2007-12-06 Alcon, Inc. Surgical system having integral pneumatic manifolds
US9180232B2 (en) 2006-05-19 2015-11-10 Novartis Ag Surgical system having manifolds with integral pneumatic accumulators
US20080125695A1 (en) 2006-06-23 2008-05-29 Hopkins Mark A Reflux control in microsurgical system
DE102006030034A1 (de) 2006-06-29 2008-01-03 Zf Friedrichshafen Ag Einrichtung zum Steuern eines fluidbetätigten doppeltwirkenden Stellzylinders
DE102006036039A1 (de) 2006-08-02 2008-02-07 Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Implantate mit poröser Außenschicht sowie Verfahren zur Herstellung derselben
US20080082077A1 (en) 2006-09-29 2008-04-03 David Lloyd Williams System and method for flow rate control
US8679241B2 (en) 2006-10-30 2014-03-25 Novartis Ag Gas pressure monitor for pneumatic surgical machine
US8162000B2 (en) 2006-12-13 2012-04-24 Novartis Ag Adjustable pneumatic system for a surgical machine
US9241830B2 (en) 2006-12-15 2016-01-26 Novartis Ag Pressure monitor for pneumatic vitrectomy machine
TW200828158A (en) * 2006-12-19 2008-07-01 Liu Chen Kun Method, server, and computer readable medium thereof for transferring an ownership of an object through the internet
US8312800B2 (en) 2006-12-21 2012-11-20 Novartis Ag Pneumatic system for a vitrector
US8460324B2 (en) 2008-04-15 2013-06-11 Abbott Medical Optics Inc. High speed pneumatic vitrectomy control

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20080142093A1 (en) 2008-06-19
US8162000B2 (en) 2012-04-24
JP5363334B2 (ja) 2013-12-11
CA2672133C (en) 2014-12-09
ES2386919T3 (es) 2012-09-06
JP2010512838A (ja) 2010-04-30
AU2007353369A1 (en) 2008-11-20
EP2092403A1 (en) 2009-08-26
CA2672133A1 (en) 2008-11-20
AU2007353369B2 (en) 2011-10-06
WO2008140537A1 (en) 2008-11-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2092403B1 (en) Adjustable pneumatic system for a surgical machine
CA2673145C (en) Pneumatic system for a vitrector
US9241830B2 (en) Pressure monitor for pneumatic vitrectomy machine
EP2509549B1 (en) Systems and methods for dynamic pneumatic valve driver
US9326826B2 (en) Gas pressure monitor for pneumatic surgical machine
JP2010508075A5 (es)

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20090611

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: HOPKINS, MARK A.

Inventor name: HUCULAK, JOHN C.

Inventor name: OLIVERA, ARGELIO

Inventor name: TURNER, DENIS P.

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20091028

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: NOVARTIS AG

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: LEMAN CONSULTING S.A.

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 560340

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20120615

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602007023082

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20120726

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2386919

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20120906

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

Effective date: 20120530

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120530

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120530

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120530

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120930

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120530

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 560340

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20120530

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120831

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120530

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120530

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120530

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120530

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120530

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120530

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120530

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120530

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120530

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120530

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121001

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20130301

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121031

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602007023082

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20130301

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121003

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120830

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120530

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120530

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121003

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071003

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 10

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 11

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: IP PARTNERS J. WENGER, CH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 12

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: PD

Owner name: ALCON INC.; CH

Free format text: DETAILS ASSIGNMENT: CHANGE OF OWNER(S), ASSIGNMENT; FORMER OWNER NAME: NOVARTIS AG

Effective date: 20191031

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PUE

Owner name: ALCON INC., CH

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: NOVARTIS AG, CH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 602007023082

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: K & H BONAPAT PATENTANWAELTE KOCH VON BEHREN &, DE

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 602007023082

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: ALCON INC., CH

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: NOVARTIS AG, BASEL, CH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 732E

Free format text: REGISTERED BETWEEN 20200123 AND 20200129

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: PC2A

Owner name: ALCON INC.

Effective date: 20200415

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230504

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20230925

Year of fee payment: 17

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230921

Year of fee payment: 17

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230921

Year of fee payment: 17

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20231106

Year of fee payment: 17

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20230926

Year of fee payment: 17

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230919

Year of fee payment: 17

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20231102

Year of fee payment: 17